Statement on the death of Philando Castile

Jul72016

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bill McCarthy issued the following statement regarding the shooting death of Philando Castile:

“Words cannot even begin to describe what Philando Castile’s family and friends must be going through right now. Minnesota’s Labor movement grieves for the loss of yet another young African American man.

“While our thoughts and prayers are with Philando’s family and friends, we know that thoughts and prayers aren’t enough.

“We need to begin by giving state and federal authorities time to do their jobs, conduct impartial investigations, and let due process take its course.

“However, we must acknowledge that a double standard exists for African American men when interacting with law enforcement. Whether the bias is intentional or not, too many African American men find themselves on the receiving end of deadly force.

“There are no quick and easy solutions to this all too familiar incident. These are complex problems that will require tough conversations and decisions.

“Minnesota’s Labor movement remains committed to helping address the racial inequalities, in both the economic and criminal justice systems, that continue to persist in our state and nation.”